"Let bygones be bygones" means no longer holding someone accountable or blaming them for mistakes made in the past. Here, "ji" (既) means "already," "wang" (往) means "the past," and "jiu" (咎) means "to blame or incriminate." This idiom originates from The Analects, Book of Ba Yi (八佾), where Confucius spoke these words in reply to Duke Ai of Lu's question about the spirit tablet of the earth god. It embodies the Confucian wisdom of treating others with magnanimity and focusing on the future. In modern usage, it is mostly employed to express forgiveness of others' past faults and the decision not to pursue the matter further, thereby dissolving conflicts and promoting unity. It is commonly used on formal or semi-formal occasions, such as when a superior addresses a subordinate, between friends, or in negotiations and mediation. Its emotional tone leans positive, emphasizing tolerance and generosity, but it sometimes also carries the implication of "not letting it happen again" — that is, past matters may be overlooked, but they must not be repeated in the future. When using it, one should pay attention to the context to avoid giving the impression of condoning wrongdoing.
📝 Example
1. Since he has sincerely apologized, we will let bygones be bygones and work together to complete the project well.
2. Regarding issues left over from the past, the company has decided to let bygones be bygones and encourage employees to start anew.